Panthers DE Jared Allen ruled out for NFC championship game

The contrast in weather was dramatic Friday: Freezing rain in Charlotte versus 75 and sunny at the Cardinals’ training facility.

There will be several key match-ups to watch for in the NFC Championship game between the Carolina Panthers and the Arizona Cardinals in the NFC Championship game.

Rivera did, however, acknowledge that Allen would have a chance to play if Panthers advance to the Super Bowl. Panthers fourth NFC championship game appearance and first since 2005.

These are the two teams that led the National Football League in takeaways: Carolina with 39, Arizona with 33.

Jared Veldheer, the Cardinals’ left tackle from Grand Rapids Forest Hills Northern and Hillsdale College, said the Panthers’ front seven will be a big challenge. It was Manning’s first game action since November 15.

Each team comes into Sunday’s matchup with a dynamic defense. Denver won the earlier meeting in Denver 30-24 in overtime when Brock Osweiler was at quarterback.

Although Arizona’s defense was only able to force one sack and one fumble against Rodgers, the secondary kept his wideouts in check – except, of course, on the game-tying Hail Mary.

“That play was all KK”, Kuechly said of the pick six. Like Sapp, Short has a quick burst off the line which allows him to get by slower offensive linemen, particularly when not double-teamed.

“We don’t even like people talking about the Super Bowl. He’s doing most of it himself”. We know Allen has all the pain tolerance in the world yet Allen will be sidelined while Stewart is probable to play against the Cardinals.

Predicting the AFC and NFC Championship Games Will either game be close? “Coaches’ decision, and I have to live with it. I respect Coach, so I have to respect his decision. I have dreamed of being in this position”. “I remember I did a procedure to puncture the other lung to get on the flight in time and be home for Christmas”. “The longer you play the more reps you get, the more good situations and bad situations you are exposed to, the easier the game gets”.

But he had 84 yards and two touchdowns at halftime against the Seahawks.

Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald grabbed the winning touchdown against the Packers and his performance placed him in some very elite company. Should Carolina beat Arizona, the veteran would have two weeks to rest up for his first Super Bowl appearance in his 12-year career.

Both teams have great defenses and both teams have MVP caliber Quarterback’s this season.

He looked calm and poised last week against the Seattle Seahawks, leading Carolina to a 31-0 halftime lead, but was frustrated over being shut out in the second half.